On Thursday March 27 2025 the HSSC presents local historian Roger Bradshaw giving an illustrated talk on NIAGARA'S LAKE ONTARIO CROSS-LAKE STEAMERS. This presentation is a pictorial journey of the major cross-lake steamers plying the Niagara-Toronto route across Lake Ontario starting in 1878. The three Niagara ports of call are the Niagara River, Port Dalhousie and Grimsby Beach.
Torontonians utilized the steamers as an escape from the summer heat of the city to the cool breezes of the lake, the fun of being aboard a ship, the relaxed enjoyment of an outing to Niagara, and a transfer point to Niagara Falls. Residents of the Niagara Peninsula used the boats to travel to the big city. Fifteen passenger steamers will be highlighted in this presentation. These floating workhorses of the nineteenth century were a vital link in the early transportation network.
The Historical Society lecture series will take place on the 4th Thursday of each month at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3. The Museum doors open at 7:00pm and the presentation begins at 7:30pm. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.